US reporters freed from North Korea return home

American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee returned to Los Angeles on Wednesday after being detained in North Korea for the last five months. “To our loved ones, friends, and to the complete strangers with the kindest of hearts who showed us so much love and sent us so many positive thoughts and energy, we thank you,” said Ling.

Former US President Bill Clinton, who secured their release, accompanied the journalists, who work for a cable television venture founded by Al Gore.

“Thirty hours ago, Euna Lee and I were prisoners in North Korea. We feared that at any moment we could be sent to a hard-labor camp,” said Ling.

“And then suddenly we were told that we were going to a meeting. We were taken to a location and when we walked through the doors we saw standing before us President Bill Clinton.

“We were shocked but we knew instantly in our hearts that the nightmare of our lives was finally coming to an end. Now we stand here home and free.”